Apart from Roland-Garros, Rafael Nadal has never managed to retain a Grand Slam title and the Australian Open 2023 will be no exception to the rule. This Wednesday, the Spaniard, first dominated on a regular basis then injured in the upper left thigh towards the end of the second set, was eliminated in the second round by the American Mackenzie McDonald, 65th player in the world (6-4, 6-4, 7-5).
From the start of the match, Nadal did not appear in total control of his tennis. Facing the American player with clean and flat shots, the No. 1 seed lost his entry service, then a second time at 3-1. A single break was not enough to get him back on track in this round, despite an equalizer at 5-5 which he failed to convert (6-4).
Ejected from the top 5
In the second set, the Spaniard rebounded from 0-2 to 2-2, putting more weight on his ball and looking able to get the upper hand, but he lost his lead once more at 3-3. In the next game, at 15A on McDonald’s serve, Nadal hurt himself on an extension and might not complete his movement to defend with a forehand.
He then let two aces pass without attempting to return, before leaving the court for a few minutes to be manipulated by the tournament physio. On the return, it was clear that he might not give his full measure in the displacements. He exchanged several times with the members of his clan, as if to ask their opinion on whether to give up or not.
Once led two sets to nothing, Nadal managed to keep his service up to 4-4 without having to save a break point. He then saved with an ace at the T the first ball of 5-4 from the American. But at 5-5, the latter did not miss his second opportunity of the set and broke on a backhand passing. Before concluding years to tremble once morest Nadal prevented and helpless (6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in 2:27). Winner a year ago in Melbourne, Rafael Nadal left the tournament this time on his third day. He will also leave the world top 5 at the end of this Australian Open.